My great-grandfather August Curtis Bough was one of the islands greatest merchants on St. Croix. When I settled on St. Croix in the mid 70’s, saw his name boldly posted (AC Bough Stores) on one of the buildings in the town of Christiansted; I made a subconscious commitment to know more about my family history. It would be two decades later when genealogy would take hold of my life.

August Curtis Bough was a popular and respected citizen who owned several establishments in the town of Christiansted dealing in dry goods, hardware, provisions, wholesale, retail and commission. His sons including my grandfather Julius Curtis Bough and many of the vendors went about the town and country selling his goods. The height of his business career may have been the best days of the island. He often talked about the money he made while sending his money to the bank in kerosene tins!!!

While visiting Estate Whim Museum looking through their collection of historic photos, seeing a picture of AC Bough store was pure excitement as well as discovering that he experimented with making and distributing soda pop.

A.C. Bough’s StorePhotographer C.E. Taylorcirca 1899

It was particularly disturbing to learn from family members that his establishment was burglarized, but perhaps this was the turning point in his life, when he decided to enter into the ministry with the same zeal he had for his merchandising.

A.C. Bough was a proud and remarkable man who worked very hard for his family and community.

4 Responses to Shopping Saturday – A.C. BOUGH STORES

Shelley, I can certainly understand the motivation behind you wanting to know more about your family and especially about your great-grandfather, A. C. Bough! WOW! What an amazing ancestor you have in your family tree. You mention that he went into the ministry . . . I am looking forward to hearing more about that are of his life as well. Is this your paternal or maternal great-grandfather? Thanks for sharing him with us and it’s mighty good to see you blogging again too!